Windows Desktop License Availability
Under the Support Lifecycle policy, Windows desktop licenses are available for four
years after general availability in all standard product distribution channels (e.g.
direct OEM, System Builders, retail, and Volume Licensing programs via licenses
or via downgrade rights). Licenses will continue to be available through downgrade
rights available in Volume Licensing programs after end of general availability.
Windows Service Pack Roadmap
Microsoft continually works to improve its software. As part of this effort, we
develop updates and fixes to recognized issues and release them for customers. On
a regular basis, we combine many of these fixes into a single package and make the
package available for installation. These packages are called Service Packs. Based
on feedback from customers and partners Microsoft is committed to providing a 12-month
roadmap of upcoming service packs and security rollup packages on the Windows Service
Pack Roadmap Web page. Visit the Supported Service Pack list to find the support
timelines for a particular product's service pack.
License Availability Roadmap
|
Desktop Operating Systems
|
Date of General Availability
|
Direct OEM & Retail License Availability (end date)
|
System Builder License Availability (end date)
|
|
MS DOS 6.xx
|
6/1/1994
|
11/30/2001
|
11/30/2001
|
|
Windows 95
|
8/15/1995
|
12/31/2000
|
12/31/2001
|
|
Windows NT Workstation 4.xx
|
7/29/1996
|
6/30/2002
|
6/30/2003
|
|
Windows 98
|
6/30/1998
|
6/30/2002
|
11/30/20031
|
|
Windows 98 SE
|
6/30/1999
|
6/30/2002
|
3/31/20041
|
|
Windows Me
|
12/31/2000
|
12/31/2003
|
6/302004
|
|
Windows 2000 Professional
|
3/31/2000
|
3/31/2004
|
3/31/2005
|
|
Windows XP Professional
|
12/31/2001
|
6/30/2008
|
1/31/2009
|
|
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
|
12/11/2003
|
6/30/2008
|
1/31/2009
|
|
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
|
4/25/2005
|
6/30/2008
|
1/31/2009
|
|
Windows XP Home Edition
|
12/31/2001
|
6/30/20083
|
1/31/2009
|
|
Windows XP Media Center Edition2
|
10/28/ 2002
|
6/30/2008
|
1/31/2009
|
1 In the US and Canada only: System
Builder License Availability end dates are June 30, 2003 for Windows 98 and September
30, 2003 for Windows 98 SE.
2 Includes the 2002, 2004, and 2005 editions of Windows Media Center.
3 As of April 2008, Microsoft is extending availability of Windows XP
Home Edition for OEMs to install on Ultra Low-Cost PCs. The new OEM end date will
be the later of either June 30, 2010, or one year after the general availability
of the next version of Windows.
For more information regarding Windows and other products and services we provide
contact us at:
Telephone:
1-610-917-2471
Fax:
1-484-921-2505
E-mail: info@aresolutions.com